Syria and Inaction

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

I realize controversial subjects are something I should avoid on this blog. I intended this blog to serve as a vehicle to glorifying God by revealing His great love. I prefer not to use it as a vehicle for my own opinions. However, the question of Syria is not a topic I feel I can ignore. How we respond to this crisis matters to God. I won't dare impose my beliefs on another, but I will make my position clear.

It feels somewhat strange stating why I believe what I do. In my own estimation, it should be clear to everyone's conscience. It is the classic story of the good Samaritan. However instead of a Levite and a priest, we have politicians and Americans who are excusing their lack of mercy.

From the debate, I have heard three main reasons for inactions:

1. Money
2. Popularity
3. Sovereignty
 

According to those on the other side of the issue, we are too caught up in other wars to take on another one. These same people use our bad economy to justify inaction. Others are worried that our popularity on the national stage will be sorely affected, since other countries oppose American's intervention. Others (and this may be the best of the poor excuses) argue that Syrians have the right to fight their own civil war, and America shouldn't intervene.

Do I believe these excuses are unwarranted? No. I think these fears are very rational. They still fail to persuade me that inaction is justified.

1. Money has no influence on me, when we are talking about 100,000 deaths, including children. We should extend our resources to the beaten neighbor. Yes, it will hurt our pocketbooks, but life is more precious than silver and gold.

2. If we are worried about our popularity, I don't think there is much relief. The nations that hate America won’t suddenly forgive our past actions. It is foolish to suggest inaction will repair it. Besides popularity should never dictates morality.

3. Syria is a sovereign state, and politically speaking, it has the right to repair its own brokenness without outside intervention. There are good Samaritans within Syria, and God will give them the burden of saving the fallen. America shouldn’t be held responsible, right? No. Not in my estimation. If America allows the bloodshed, when it has the ability to prevent it, we will be held accountable. There are no borders when chemical weapons are used on children.

I know that our nation feels like it is always “coming to the rescue.” We might be tempted to think that we can’t solve all the world’s problems, so we need to stop trying. As a Christian, I don’t hold that view. I think we should ALWAYS intervene when someone robs another of self-dignity and life. If the government chooses not to act, I think it is the church’s responsibility to act.